In a statement on Monday, the Egyptian armed forces said the training encompasses several units and naval machinery, including Egyptian and French Mistral helicopters, a number of frigates, rocket launchers, aircraft that discover and combat submarines and Egyptian F-16 fighter jets.

“The training is in the framework of supporting distinguished relations and enhancing cooperation and exchange of experience between the armed forces of each country,” the statement read.

“[The naval exercise] emphasizes the strategic and military partnership and cooperation between Egypt and France,” it added.

The training activities include planning and management of joint offensive and defensive combat operations, inspection of suspicious vessels, transportation exercises, reception and departure of helicopters from the roofs of units, training on the security of naval units using air defense weapons and the maritime landing of personnel and equipment on the coast.

In 2016, Egypt carried out 30 joint military exercises with 20 Arab and African countries and European countries including France and Russia.